1330 WFIN SPORTS with Chris Miller

Yahoo! News: Sports News
Roger Federer upset by Radek Stepanek in Rome Masters (AP) AP - Roger Federer lost again, falling to 27th-ranked Radek Stepanek 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7) Friday in the Rome Masters quarterfinals.
Jazz down 2-0 to Lakers as series comes to Utah (AP) AP - The Utah Jazz are hoping home court really is an advantage. Right now, they'll take any edge they can get.
Hot state of hockey as Flyers, Penguins meet in East finals (AP) AP - Some NHL rivalries evolve from a big game, a major trade or a short-lived scuffle, then fade after a few years. Not the Philadelphia Flyers vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Avalanche, coach Joel Quenneville go their separate ways (AP) AP - The Colorado Avalanche said Joel Quenneville is out as coach after three seasons, a week after being swept out of the playoffs by the Detroit Red Wings.
Rookie Alex Lloyd crashes during practice for Indy 500 (AP) AP - Rookie driver Alex Lloyd was hospitalized Friday, complaining of neck pain, after hitting the wall hard during practice for the Indianapolis 500.
Federal judge orders Vick to pay Canadian bank $2.4 million (AP) AP - A federal judge ordered imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick to repay more than $2.4 million to a Canadian bank for defaulting on a loan. The Royal Bank of Canada sued Vick in September, arguing his guilty plea to a federal dogfighting charge and the resulting impact on his career prevented him from repaying the loan.
Parker, Ginobili both score 31; Spurs beat Hornets in Game 3 (AP) AP - There was no third-quarter breakdown for the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, just the desperate play of a team whose quest for a second straight NBA title was on the line. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili both scored 31 points to lead the Spurs to a 110-99 victory over the New Orleans Hornets in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Pirates trade for OF Michaels (AP) AP - The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Jason Michaels and cash from the Cleveland Indians on Thursday for a player to be named.
Barcelona members request censure motion against board (AFP) AFP - The crisis at Barcelona over its poor season deepened Friday as two club members launched a censure motion against the management of the Spanish club that seeks the ouster of is president, Joan Laporta, and his board of directors.
Blake, Chelios, Pisani finalists for Masterton Trophy (AP) AP - Left wing Jason Blake of the Toronto Maple Leafs, defenseman Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings and right wing Fernando Pisani of the Edmonton Oilers were selected Friday as finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
West Virginia coach Huggins hurt in airport fall (AP) AP - West Virginia University officials say basketball coach Bob Huggins has been taken to a hospital in Charlotte, N.C., for precautionary reasons after tripping on an airport tarmac and hitting his head on the pavement.
Roddick battles past Robredo to meet Wawrinka (AFP) AFP - Sixth seed Andy Roddick overcame 14th seed Tommy Robredo in a fierce centre court battle 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 at the Rome Masters here on Friday.
Garcia builds early lead with 6-under 66 at The Players (AP) AP - The flag was in a tempting location, back and left on the 13th green at the TPC Sawgrass with a pond running alongside the left side. Sergio Garcia took dead aim with a 7-iron and the ball never left its target.

Cleveland Indians News
Homers hurt Tribe's chances in finale Starter Paul Byrd served up three home runs and reliever Masa Kobayashi allowed one, as the Indians suffered a 6-3 loss in their final regular-season game at Yankee Stadium.
Blake has new look at plate Casey Blake has had a new look at the plate in 2008, and, as is the case with his beard, whether or not it's a good look is in the eye of the beholder.
Indians trade Michaels to Pirates Jason Michaels was shipped to the Pirates on Thursday for a Minor League player to be named later. The outfielder had been designated for assignment by the Tribe on Tuesday to make room for Ben Francisco.
Borowski takes positive step forward Joe Borowski, on the 15-day disabled list since April 15 with a strained right triceps muscle, threw 25 pitches in his first bullpen session Thursday morning at Yankee Stadium and reported no ill effects.
Tribe play finale without two big bats Victor Martinez is still wincing, Travis Hafner is still struggling, and the Indians, as a result, fielded a lineup Thursday that was devoid of the two hitters once considered cornerstones of the offense.
Lee locks up perfect 6-0 record Cliff Lee, looking more and more like an All-Star starter in the making, went head to head with fellow undefeated hurler Chien-Ming Wang and dominated again. Lee's seven shutout innings were instrumental in the Indians grabbing a 3-0 victory.
Anthony Castrovince's MLBlog
Dellucci relishes days at Yankee Stadium David Dellucci has experienced the special feel that comes from playing at Yankee Stadium from both sides. On Thursday, he and his Tribe teammates will, most likely, be playing in the building for the final time.
Martinez in at DH with neck still sore Victor Martinez's stiff neck kept him from his catching duties for a second straight day on Wednesday, but he was able to contribute from the designated hitter spot, knocking in the Indians' first run with a sacrifice fly in the first inning.
Marte eager for chance to contribute Eric Wedge calls his ever-evolving lineup an "open book." Perhaps this is Andy Marte's opportunity to write his own chapter in that book. Marte was in Wedge's lineup against the Yankees for the second straight night on Wednesday, bucking a season-long trend. Marte had just 13 at-bats and had yet to start -- or even play -- consecutive days coming into this series.
Tribe to play doubleheader Sept. 13 The Tribe has selected Saturday, Sept. 13, as the makeup date for the May 2 game against the Royals, which was rained out. The makeup game will take place at 1 p.m. ET. That evening's originally scheduled 7:05 p.m. game will take place, as planned, creating a day-night doubleheader.
Tribe prevails on Dellucci's late homer Pinch-hitter David Dellucci ripped a three-run homer off Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain in the eighth inning, giving the Indians a 5-3 win at Yankee Stadium.
Tribe's start doesn't show in standings The Indians picked a good year to have a bad start. While the American League Central has been a powerhouse the past few years, it's been rather punchless in '08. Entering Wednesday, when the Indians will resume their three-game set at Yankee Stadium, the first-place Twins (16-15) will be the only club in the division with a record above .500.
Martinez scratched with stiff neck An Indians team struggling mightily on the offensive end lost its hottest hitter for Tuesday night's series opener with the Yankees. Catcher Victor Martinez was a late scratch from the lineup because of a stiff neck. He was listed as day-to-day. Backup Kelly Shoppach replaced Martinez and batted eighth.
Larger role greets Francisco On Tuesday, Ben Francisco was called up from Triple-A Buffalo for the second time this season and the fourth time in two years, but this particular promotion had a new feeling to it. Francisco was in the starting lineup on Tuesday night against Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte and figures to get regular playing time in the Indians' corner-outfield spots.
Bullpen session close for Borowski Joe Borowski isn't ready to rejoin the Indians' active roster, but he did join his teammates in the Bronx. Borowski has been playing catch for the past week as he recovers from the right triceps strain that landed him on the 15-day disabled list on April 15. On Thursday, he will progress to his first bullpen session.
Francisco to be put into outfield mix Jason Michaels will be designated for assignment and Francisco will be called up from Triple-A Buffalo before the Indians' series opener at Yankee Stadium.
Lee proves worthy of confidence Cliff Lee wasn't oblivious to the trade rumors surrounding him over the winter, but he's sure glad the Indians never moved him -- and he's rewarded their confidence handsomely in his first five starts this season.
Mailbag: Where's Pronk's power? Will Travis Hafner recapture his power stroke? Will Rafael Betancourt take over the closer role permanently? Anthony Castrovince answers in the mailbag.
Tribe reportedly set to add Francisco The Indians, looking for a way to beef up their offense, are reportedly set to bring up outfielder Ben Francisco and give him significant playing time.
Laffey's effort wasted in series finale The Indians scheduled a rare morning batting practice Sunday, and they faced a pitcher they have traditionally battered and whom they touched for eight runs earlier this year. Neither helped, as they wasted a terrific start by Aaron Laffey in an 2-0 loss to the Royals.
Tribe remains confident in bullpen Though they had postseason success in New York last season, the last regular-season game the Indians played at Yankee Stadium did not end so well, as closer Joe Borowski memorably gave up a walk-off grand slam to Alex Rodriguez. But as the Tribe heads to the Cathedral for one last regular-season series, neither Borowski or A-Rod will take part.
No divide among Tribe In a sport where little run support can at times breed resentment among pitchers, the Indians' closeness had done little to curb the team's optimism. The pitchers have offered only encouragement when talking about the struggling offense.
Sabathia's smooth night turns rocky Ultimately, living dangerously caught up with Tribe ace C.C. Sabathia on Saturday, as the Royals scored four times in the seventh to put away the Indians, 4-2, before 27,272 at Progressive Field.
Indians have confidence in Laffey The Indians have an off-day Monday, and their game Friday night was rained out. So it would have been easy for the Indians to skip Aaron Laffey's turn in the rotation -- particularly with Fausto Carmona behind him -- but they're not.

Yahoo! Sports - NBA News
Jazz return home in 0-2 hole to Lakers (AP) The Utah Jazz are hoping home court really is an advantage. Right now, they'll take any edge they can get. The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Jazz 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals and are coming to Utah with thoughts of a second straight sweep in the playoffs. The Jazz had hoped to come out of Los Angeles with a split, but were back home Thursday trying to figure out new ways to slow down...
Parker, Manu each score 31 in Spurs' win (AP) The San Antonio Spurs' Big Three congregated around the scorer's table during a timeout in the fourth quarter, not long before they put the game away for good. Tim Duncan patted Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. They all laughed. The NBA's defending champions were not going into an 0-3 hole against the New Orleans Hornets.
Celtics go up 2-0, James struggles again (AP) Paul Pierce and Ray Allen found their shooting touch. LeBron James can only hope he left his in Cleveland. Pierce scored 19 points, Kevin Garnett added 13 with 12 rebounds, and Allen broke out of a seven-quarter scoring drought with 16 points to help the Boston Celtics beat the Cavaliers 89-73 on Thursday night and take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Pistons G Billups unsure about Game 4 (AP) Chauncey Billups spent almost all Wednesday night in the trainer's room. He was there Thursday, when the rest of the Detroit Pistons took the court to practice. And he'll be there most of Friday, too. "He's going to have stuff he's never seen before," said Arnie Kander, Detroit's strength and conditioning coach.
Bryant unanimous pick for All-NBA team (AP) Kobe Bryant added another honor Thursday to go with his MVP award, becoming the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team. The Lakers star was voted to the first team for the third straight season and sixth time in his career. He led Los Angeles to the best record in the Western Conference and was presented with the MVP trophy Wednesday before helping the Lakers to a 120-110 victory over Utah in...
Nash expects D'Antoni to stay with Suns (AP) Despite rampant speculation that Mike D'Antoni is headed to Chicago or New York, Phoenix point guard Steve Nash expects his coach to be back on the Suns' bench next season. Beyond that, the two-time NBA MVP had little to say about the Suns' ongoing coaching saga during a charity appearance Friday. "This is the last thing I'm going to say about our coaching situation: Mike's my coach," Nash said.
Nets promote Vandeweghe to GM (AP) Kiki Vandeweghe became the New Jersey Nets' general manager Thursday, less than six months after being hired as a special assistant to team president Rod Thorn. Vandeweghe replaces Ed Stefanski, who left in midseason to become the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. "We are very pleased that Kiki will continue his relationship with the Nets' organization," Thorn said.
Wallace: Allergies got me out of Game 2 (AP) Cleveland Cavaliers forward Ben Wallace learned about springtime in Boston the hard way Thursday night when allergies forced him to leave the Celtics' 89-73 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. "You know it's a tough place for allergies, but no one has warned me," Wallace said. "That's when it started -- headaches.
LeBron's fans wait for 23-cent pizzas (AP) Wearing a blue Lebron James "Witness" T-shirt, Patrick Mone was willing to wait as long as necessary to get a 23-cent pizza in a promotion aimed at apologizing to Cleveland Cavaliers fans for a slam against their beloved All-Star. Lines were so long Thursday at some of the 86 Papa John's stores offering a large, one-topping pizza for 23 cents that police stood nearby to make sure people didn't get...
Nets' Jefferson professes innocence (AP) A man who accused Richard Jefferson of grabbing him by the throat in an incident in a Minneapolis club this year had too much to drink, the New Jersey Nets forward said in a radio interview. Jefferson was charged with assault on Wednesday for the Jan. 27 incident when the Nets were in Minneapolis to play the Timberwolves.



Home News Sports Weather Lifestyles Programming Community About WKXA Radio Upload Photos & Video Advertising Staff Employment Local News National News World News Financial News Entertainment News Health & Medical Technology Local Sports College Sports Pro Sports Racing World With Dwight Allen Blog Weather School Delays Event Cancellations Family Travel Discover Ohio Music and Entertainment Pet Information Book Review Dear Abby Virtual Village Good Mornings Phone Club AgriBusiness Tradio Contests Program Schedule Talk Shows Community Links Community Events WFIN Photo Gallery Upload Your Photos Advertising Staff Job Connection Feedback Contact